Father God Speaking to My Heart

Category Archives: Encouragement

These past weeks, while walking though a particularly stressful time, I have been hearing from the Lord about the remarkable power of JOY in Him. In fact, the overcoming resilience, fortitude and stalwartness of faith that is needed for this time in history is only found in a foundation of the abounding JOY we have in our Lord Jesus.

He spoke to me: Child, reading and studying My word is excellent. Praying is excellent. Gathering in fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Me is excellent. Participating in community outreaches is excellent. Blessing others and helping others is excellent. Yet, you do all this in little power and strength of fleeting happiness and do not draw fully upon the well of power packed overflowing and abounding JOY that is found only in Me. Let’s talk together just to talk. Let’s laugh and dance and be silly together. Let Me make your heart merry as you spend time with Me; as My love washes away the heavy load of life and ministry. Yes! Let’s laugh and rejoice together, even in the midst of tears and challenges, because all things are in My hands and you can trust Me no matter your circumstances.

It was true when I heard these words that life had weighed me down. There were deaths of people I loved and admired. Illness had struck too many in my group of friends and close to home in my life and family. Ministry, while so fulfilling and good, was busy and feeling heavy. Decisions came upon me that seemed insurmountable but needed to be made and then, as if He had no idea that I was overwhelmed, the Lord called me to make a giant step into the unknown with Him. He asked me to give up something I love. Of course, I said yes, but the sacrifice of it was very painful. As I took the pain to Him, He gave me supernatural Joy in exchange. I was able to overcome and do all I needed to do because of that JOY! I received it because I went to the Father and asked for help.

First, He poured it out upon me and then He taught me how to walk constantly in His abounding JOY.

Paul and the church at Philippi were in dire circumstances when he instructed them out of the abounding JOY he had in Christ Jesus to: REJOICE in the Lord always! Knowing that those words would fall on overwhelmed hearts and not penetrate he added: And again, I will say REJOICE! That admonition was followed by instructions in Philippians 4:5-9

Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Holy Spirit’s revelation to me as He taught me about these passages of scripture was that I felt sad and overwhelmed only because I was fearful and because of the fear I was meditating on the wrong things. Fear is a sneaky foe, but Holy Spirit revealed it to me. He said: Child, there is NO JOY found in the world except that which is flowing from Me. How true those words to me are! No matter where I looked, nothing but HIM could give me deep abiding sense of hope and happiness. So, now I purpose to check myself regularly and ask Holy Spirit to check on me and what I am focusing on. l purpose to meditate on what my God is doing, what He is speaking, and on what it says in His written WORD to us. No matter the turmoil in my life or in the world around me there is a place of supernatural JOY that keeps me strong and enables me to do all thing through Christ Jesus, my Lord!

So join me in a SHOUT! I will REJOICE in the Lord Always! And again we Shout REJOICE!

I remember way back in 1964 during Social Studies class we figured out what age we kids would be in the year 2000. That seemed like a Sci-fi year to all of us as it was so very far in the future. We did essays on what we thought the world would be like in the year we would turned 50 years old. Despite the fact that all of us thought 50 was an ancient age, and it was hard for us to believe we would ever be “that old,” we began to imagine and dream what it would be like. Most of us thought it would be like the “Jetsons” cartoon on television replete with spaceship like cars, robots serving us, anti-gravity belts, instant food cooking, and a dog name Astro.

Now, we are all well past that 2000 year marker. While I cannot speak for my classmates, who could be inventors or scientists making stunning Sci-fi gizmos, I don’t have an anti-gravity car, nor can I transport to Hawaii in 5 minutes like Judy Jetson did for a beach party. But, we do have communicators (cell phones), nearly instant cooking (microwave ovens), video calling and a bunch of other Jetsons-like stuff. Too bad the robots haven’t progressed past vacuuming the floor as far as serving us at home, but they are in every industry so even that has come true.

Our imaginations as a generation of kids took us toward those inventions and technologies and many of them were created. It’s all pretty impressive what humankind has done and taken all the credit for. Yes, I was being a little critical because, by and large, we have left out of the picture a very important component; the central reason we have been blessed with all these creature comforts. Left out by most folks has been the divine inspiration and blessings of the Lord God. There has been a gross lack of spiritual connection to the One giving all these good things to humankind. That Father God would be involved in inspiring invention and technology doesn’t seem to fully compute with our culture. Nonetheless, the Word of God says in James 1:17 “All good things come down from the Father of Lights above.” Continue reading →

“Lay down your spiritual warfare weapons,” said the voice of the Lord I have come to know, love and obey. My response: HUH?

The apparent warfare around me and around the body of Christ screamed out in demand of increasing every spiritual warfare technique I had ever learned. To lay down all of that felt contrary to everything I had learned from my mentors, teachers, and pastors. In six words the Voice I loved had negated every spiritual warfare seminar and conference I had attended as well as every book I read and video series I had watched. Even closer to home, it wiped out what I had taught hundreds of others. Thus, it was hard for me to receive those 6 words.

Then started the conversation with Holy Spirit. Not sure why I persist with this habit, none-the-less, it always starts out: But, Lord….

I had a lot of “But, Lords” to state and “How can it be” questions to ask. Seemed that He already knew that and He spoke to me in His loving, soft, gentle, yet firm way, “You’re doing it all wrong.” My answer: HUH?

No doubt, we His kids, can be quite comical to Him at times I am sure. In this case, I am certain my astonishment must have been amusing because I heard His wonderful laughter wash over me. All I could feel was joy and peace followed by love and acceptance. What could I say to that except, “Yes, Lord”? And, because He apparently knew I was ready to hear Him on this topic, I yielded, albeit a bit begrudgingly, and turned my inner ear toward Him.

It wasn’t what I heard, but what I saw next that impacted me. I saw a small child (couldn’t tell boy or girl) chased by the enemy (demonic beings) running toward flowing purple fabric. The child ran into the fabric and disappeared. While watching this vision, I realized the child was hiding behind the leg of a man wearing leather sandals. In moments, the child, comforted and strengthened by the encounter with the man, peeked out. The enemy was a great distance away. The enemy could not approach the man or the child. The man spoke over the child lovingly and kindly. After awhile the child lifted their hand and repeated the words of the man. As the words were released, power flowed and the enemy disappeared completely.

Hiding in the robe of the Father

A lesson in an intense way of intercession began that day. Holy Spirit pointed out the child was not dressed in armor as I had pictured it. The child was not holding a sword or a shield. The child was not shouting or yelling at the devils. The child was standing strong, at peace, full of joy and lovingly protected in the purple skirts. The child listened, learned and repeated what the man said. And the man? …. Continue reading →

Despite the natural circumstances of our lives, despite the apparent rise in persecution, despite the news headlines, the message I am overflowing with is hope and excitement. The Lord God is working in the earth and it is marvelous! The message I am receiving for the Remnant is Multiplication. Multiplication. Multiplication!

I recently read Chapter 6 in the book of John that describes Jesus blessing 5 barely loaves and two fish to feed some very hungry followers. They were out in the middle of nowhere with no food. A lad was the only person among 5000 men (and no doubt that many women and children with them) who had thought to bring food. He gave the fish and bread to Jesus. Jesus blessed the bread and the fish. He then began to break the food items into pieces. When He finished everyone had eaten their fill and His disciples gathered up 12 baskets of fragments. (John 6:1-14)

As I finished reading the story, I saw hands breaking bread over me. Over and over the hands broke bread. And, I heard the word “multiplication.” As I heard it, I wrote the word in my Bible. For several minutes I sat quietly listening for more from the Lord God. The room became electric with His presence. I waited and waited quietly concentrating on the Lord and His refreshing and healing presence. The encounter itself was more than enough for me! Then I began to write His message to me and I believe it is to all of us who are praying, interceding, seeking Him, learning and applying to our lives what we learn from Him.

Here is what I wrote:

A season of multiplication is upon you. Yield to My Hand breaking and dividing. I am breaking up old ways. I am dividing the good and the evil so that you can clearly see and know that which is Good. Choose Good! When you choose My Good, I will multiply it in your lives. Your minds will be overwhelmed with Good. Your hearts will overflow with Good. Goodness shall follow you. Goodness shall spring forth from you. Wherever you go, I will pour out My heart of Goodness through you. All that you set your hand to at My direction, I will multiply and prosper.

This I will do as you choose Me and My ways. Every choice toward Me shall result in multiplication. Your season of prosperity in Me has come. Not prosperity as the world sees it. No, your prosperity shall flow out of your heart and your mouth shall speak it. Overflowing of all you need to accomplish My destiny for you, to walk in My purposes and plans, shall flow.

Fear not the times you are in. Fret not over hard things you see around you. Ask Me and I will show you Myself in the midst of it all. You will prosper in intercession. Your declarations shall produce results. Your ability to believe and stand strong is multiplying. You shall hear Me clearer. You shall see in the Spirit, hear in the Spirit, and be lead of My Spirit into New Ways of doing nearly everything. Yes! Do life with Me – prospering and multiplying in all that I am and have ordained for you.

I chose you, now choose Me and I will do MORE than you can dream.

Several days later, while I was attending a prayer gathering at a local church, I saw the hands breaking bread again. The message of multiplication, an endless supply of all that was needed for the ministry of that house, came to me for the Pastor and his congregation. More than that it confirmed to me that this message is for all who are praying and interceding.

Get ready intercessors and praying church! Overflowing multiplication is upon us!

Today I have been overtaken by the Lord’s heart regarding the oblivious condition of the church toward evil. Every store I go to I am greeted by ghouls, skeletons, vampires, and grotesque masks and costumes along with ghosts and ugly jack-o-lanterns. To me it is a blight and my soul is vexed over this tribute to evil. But, sadly, I have discovered that much of the church goes about its day oblivious, or worse, they are preparing to celebrate evil right along with the world on October 31st.

My concern got me wondering why Halloween is a day to celebrate evil and that got me researching. I found out a lot of historic things about it having roots in pagan ceremony and superstition, but what really grabbed me a couple of years ago was the revelation that it is the night Martin Luther posted his theses on the church door for all to read. It was on October 31st 1517 that the wickedness of the then current religious order was exposed and the truth of the Word of God was restored to the people. The Reformation was birthed 500 years ago this Month! Oh, how the devil hated that then and how he hates it now! He has been seeking revenge ever since, successfully perverting a night, then a day, and now we deal with an entire month or more of disgusting evil displayed everywhere we go. And sadly, he has succeeded in desensitizing a huge portion of the church to the evil, and has successfully managed to get many of them to celebrate the evil and not the Reformation. (Read my article about this scheme of our enemy at: Should we Celebrate October 31st?)

It’s not clear how the church became so oblivious to evil. Some how, somewhere along the line, the church leaders decided to ignore Halloween occult practices, incorporate them as a draw, condone them openly and/or adopt them. That didn’t make any of it less evil, it just became less obvious as it hid behind the skirts of the church. People going to church were taught to accept it because their leaders did.

The result is that few church leaders in the USA now-a-days preach against the evils of it. But, I love God’s kids too much to let the year go by without saying something that may penetrate the lies and encourage even one person to step away from the wickedness of Halloween.

Though you may be one that thinks I am old fashioned or overreacting, I am not moved by your protests, so don’t bother to write. Nor will I accept or acknowledge excuses that “it is all in fun” or “it’s all make believe” or “we do it for the kids.” None of that washes and I won’t respond to those comments either. Why am I so stubborn on this? Two reasons: First and foremost, the word of God says to reject evil, even the appearance of it. To me the evil of Halloween has been and is quite obvious.

Here are just a couple of verses, out of many that are in the Word of God, telling us to turn away from evil things like Halloween and do good instead:

Amos 5:14 – 15 (NRSV) Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the LORD, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the LORD, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

3 John 1:11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

1 Peter 2:15 – 16 (NRSV) For it is God’s will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish. As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.

Secondly, I have first hand knowledge of the evils of the occult and its supposedly innocent fun beginnings “for the kids.” My Lord Jesus delivered me out of that trap in 1990. Celebrating Halloween as a child, led me to fascination with the occult. Living my life in occult New Age practices for over 20 years as an adult nearly killed me. I will never be silent regarding the dangers to both children and adults of playing around with demonic things, including Halloween, because I personally KNOW what can happen and I don’t want it to happen to you or your children!

You can read my testimony on cherylbirchministries.com . You can also view my testimony that was recorded a couple of years ago. I spoke regarding the need to step out of evil contrasting with a Halloween decorated set. View it by clicking Here.

So, what if this article or my testimony has touched your heart and you are ready to step away from Halloween? How does one combat this evil? Answer: Renounce it. Repent for entertaining it and participating in it. Receive forgiveness and determine to step into GOOD! Evil is overcome by good!

Then, this time of year, start celebrating the Reformation! Have a Reformation Party for the kids. Sure candy is great and lots of treats. Cute, not evil, costumes add to the festivities. Celebrate with great joy! Have fun! Our God loves a good party that honors Him! When folks say “Happy Halloween” reply with “Happy Reformation Day!” When folks ask if you celebrating October 31st answer: Yes! I celebrate the Reformation every year.

Does that work? Yup! Been doing it for years and the conversations are astounding. The presence of God is remarkable. People ask questions! What is the Reformation? It opens doors to telling people it’s a celebration of the word of God or the Bible. That opens up a door to tell them about Jesus.

In this, the 500th year of God restoring His Word to us, let’s honor HIM on October 31st and give the devil a GOOD kick in his back side!

Today I waited on the Lord nearly all day to hear from Him. I knew there was something important that I wasn’t hearing. Late in the afternoon, when He began to speak, or more precisely, I began to hear, He directed me to a prophetic word I received in late December 2012 and posted in January of 2013. At the time I called it: Renewed in Joy! Today HE called it Joyful Recompense.

He also qualified the prophetic word so that I would know for whom He gave it. Many prophetic words are released as if for the entire church which I did back in 2013. But, I have learned since that they are sometimes for a specific group. Sometimes, not all the church are able to receive what is promised. In this case, He tells me not all will sacrifice and do what it takes to step into their Highest Call in Him. Not all in the church have the commitment to their walk with our Lord that will produce in them His prophetic promises.

Therefore, this message, this recompense, is for the Remnant and for all in the Body of Christ who will ask for it plus do what is needed to receive it. Age is not a factor nor how long a person has been born again. It is for those who have endured, are faithful to Him, take time to sit at His feet, to KNOW Him, and who apply His word to their lives, accepting the changes that He requires, who desire transformation, listen to His voice and do what they hear Him say – these ones who intercede, care little about recognition, give HIM glory, reach out to the poor, obey His voice, share the Good News when He opens the door – they are about to… Continue reading →

Today I was drawn by Holy Spirit to re-read a post I made back in 2012. He asked me to share His word to us again. With minor edits inspired by Him, it is more than ever for us today! I share nothing on this blog unless Holy Spirit has inspired me and prompted me to do so. Therefore, I know this message is vital for us now and it is an encouraging reminder that our prophetic destiny as a nation lies in HIS HANDS ALONE and He WILL use US to bring about that destiny!

The word of the Lord to me for 2017 and beyond is this: It is vital we stop focusing on one man as if he could possibly stop the glorious outpouring our God has destined for our nation. Or, focusing on him because we believe that this elected leader is the “be all end all” savior and answer to our nations woes.

No matter what you think of the President, he is not higher than God or His Word. He was put in place by God, as are ALL leaders, to fulfill His sovereign plans. None the less, it is not one man, though elected to the high office of President, that will affect the destiny and course of this nation. He is part of God’s overall plan, yes, but, it is the prayers, choices and actions of the Ecclesia, the body of Christ, the disciples of the Lord Jesus, who hold the destiny of the nation in their mouths and actions. God flows His plans through us. Thus, We, the Ecclesia, can either hold back or release the nation to prosper and flourish. What we pray, what we speak out, what we do is the key. God is watching and waiting for a people after His heart… A People that understand ONLY ONE MAN can SAVE the USA and that is our LORD JESUS CHRIST!

With that said here is the message from 2012 Holy Spirit is renewing for the day we are living in; with His updates included:Continue reading →